Lollipop lady’s camera captures bad driving for prosecution

Tracey Wye

Evidence from a body-camera has helped convict a woman for driving without due care and attention.

Footage from the camera, worn by a Bedford Borough school crossing patrol officer, showed Jennifer Phipps narrowly missing two adults, three children and the officer while driving in Putnoe Lane, Bedford, on June 16, last year.

Deputy Mayor, Charles Royden, said: “We have seen incidents where school crossing patrols have been seriously injured and children’s lives put at risk. Failing to stop at a school crossing patrol is motoring madness and we will do everything in our power to ensure the prosecution of those who risk the lives of others on our roads.”

Cameras were given to all borough lollipop officers last April in a bid to protect their safety, and that of the children they help cross the road.

A council spokeswoman said: “In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of incidents where drivers, or others, have shouted abuse at school crossing patrol officers.

“In addition, a minority of drivers are continuing to ignore school crossing patrols and speeding past.”

She added: “Before the introduction of the body worn cameras, there was on average one of these incidents every month. Since the cameras were introduced this has reduced significantly.

“Other local authorities are now talking to our officers for advice on introducing similar systems in their areas.”

Camera footage is encrypted and it requires special software for recordings to be viewed by nominated council officers to aid investigations into any reported incident.